Quigg Defends WBA Intercontinental Belt Against Varela

Scott Quigg will risk his unbeaten record against Franklin Varela in Bury next month.

The 22-year-old will make the second defence of his WBA intercontinental super-bantamweight title against the Venezuelan at Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday July 23.

Quigg’s popularity is growing all the time, and there are no longer any hometown venues big enough for his fights. Already, only a few tickets remain for the Varela 12 rounder.

His test against Varela is likely to be his final ‘home’ fight, but Scott vows to eventually return in the future with a world title defence at Gigg Lane.

Quigg has won all 21 professional bouts and ranked seventh in the latest published WBA rankings for their world crown currently worn by Akifumi Shimoda.

Varela, 33, is a former WBC Latino champion and warmed up for Quigg with a two round KO of Oscar Sandoval.

Quigg will meet British champion Jason Booth in September and said: “This is just the type of fight I need before I go for the British title. I am buzzing that it will be in Bury. I can walk to the venue from my house so Franklin really is fighting in my own backyard.”

Varela has won 19 of his 24 contests and Hatton Promotions President Ricky Hatton added: “We have moved Scott along steadily, but the L-plates are off and he will move into world class in the next 12 months.”

The last few for show are priced £75(VIP Ringside), £55 (Ringside) and £35 General admission and available from www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222.